FITA, ABIT, AICP & EURATEX Back Mercosur–EU Integration Efforts

Leading textile and apparel industry associations from South America and Europe have reiterated their support for the Mercosur–European Union Partnership Agreement, describing it as vital for strengthening competitiveness and deepening economic integration across both regions.

The Argentine Textile Industry Federation (FITA), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), the Paraguayan Industrial Association of Apparel Manufacturers (AICP), and the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) said they are closely monitoring the process of internalizing the agreement within member countries. The organizations expressed confidence that, despite the agreement being submitted to the Court of Justice of the European Union, its strategic importance for both blocs will ultimately prevail.

According to the associations, the agreement reinforces commitments to economic integration, predictable trade rules and multilateral cooperation at a time when global trade conditions remain uncertain. They also reaffirmed their intention to actively contribute to the implementation process and to pursue further inter-regional initiatives that strengthen the role of both regions in the global economy.

The European Union’s textiles and apparel sector represents around 200,000 companies and employs approximately 1.2 million workers, generating an annual turnover of nearly €170 billion. Mercosur countries also maintain a substantial industry presence. In Brazil, the textile and apparel sector comprises about 25,700 companies employing 1.3 million people and generating a turnover of roughly US$ 40.9 billion. In Argentina, the industry includes around 4,000 companies and supports employment for approximately 540,000 workers across the value chain.